The Messenger. November 14, 2018

Transcription

1 The Messenger November 14, 2018

2 The Messenger pg. 2 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH GARLAND WELCOMES TIMOTHY KRAUSE, AUTHOR OF FINDING THEO December 9, 2018 Sunday School Hour Please come meet Timothy Krause and learn of his son, Theo s remarkable journey to recovery from a life-changing experience. A story of faith, hope, love, courage, and determination a true testament to the human spirit. Finding Theo restores faith in the goodness of people and something bigger than all of us. You can find the book at Fathers-Courage-Discovery/dp/ or contact Stan McGill.

3 The Messenger pg. 3 We re partnering up with FCC Rowlett s Reindeer Project, which provides local children in the Garland ISD with a really great Christmas. Angels are available this Sunday, November 18th on the Angel Tree located in Fellowship Hall. Gifts are due back by Sunday, December 2nd. FCC Rowlett Reindeer Project Angel Tree Please contact Brenda Crosthwaite with any questions.

4 The Messenger pg. 4 Mike s Kids ADVENT EVENTS Mike s Kids is an annual program that is supported by the North Texas Area of Disciples Christian Churches, the Christian Men s Fellowship, and Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. This program supports children and adults who have been abandoned or forced out of their homeland to a new country for political or religious reasons. Mike s Kids accepts donations of gently used or new clothing, new underwear and socks, gently used or new toys, non-perishable food. We are focusing on collecting combs and brushes. Donations can be dropped off in the Mike s Kids box in fellowship hall until Sunday December 9th. Travel-size for hygiene kits: Combs and brushes Men's razors/shave cream Kleenex and white men's handkerchiefs (bulk purchase) Medium-sized (not variety packs) Band-Aids men's (untinted) and women's (tinted) lip balm Backpacks [no string packs, must hold clothing, small cover, food, paperwork, water bottle, hygiene kit, and diapers (if needed) for two days of travel] [For this year, we have an abundance of toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, both travel and full-sized. Please hold on to these for next year.] Clean clothing, new or gently used: Jackets (zip up hoodies) and coats, S-M-L men's and women's (many people are headed up north ) Children's jackets, sized 2-14, boys and girls T-shirts (short- and long-sleeved). all ages, Men s S-M-L, Women's XS-S-M-L Boys/men jeans, waist Girl's and women's leggings, mostly S/M, a few L/XL [to fit over detention release ankle bracelets] One-size knit hats, scarves, gloves, adults and children Other: Toddler and children picture books, beginning English words, Spanish-English dictionaries, journals, word finds in Spanish (or simple English), maps of US, all-ages coloring books, pre-sharpened pencils, working pens, presharpened 8-color pencils (please, no crayons), small toys with no loose parts- vehicles, stuffed animals, cuddlies for babies (be sure to clean/ disinfect before donating) [Dollar store 'finds' are great, but so are gentlyused and outgrown items. Some will be gifts. Others will help relieve boredom along 2-day bus journeys to new homes.] Local families love the toys, games, clothing, kitchen and household goods (like crock pots), small rugs, comforters, towels, clock radios, and decorations you send. We do not have anyone to do repairs to clothes or household goods. Gently used running shoes are a treasure for teens. New only: Underwear S-M-L (no XL+), Men, Women, & Children Mid-calf or tube sock, Men's S-M (no L+) (bulk purchase at 12 pair for $5.99) Stretch belts for boys/men, waist (bulk purchase, 80 per week) Shoe strings, black, brown, or white (bulk purchase: 120 pair a week) [Asylum seekers are released with no belts or shoelaces. They are taken when they are processed into detention because of previous suicide attempts in detention. They are not returned.]

5 The Messenger pg. 5 ADVENT EVENTS Festival of Carols 9:00am Worship Service December 2nd Family ADVENTure 10:15am during Sunday School December 2nd. Children s Christmas Pageant 6:00pm in the Sanctuary December 9th (Reception to follow in Fellowship Hall). Chancel Choir s Christmas Cantata Carols of the Season 9:00am Worship Service December 16th Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 6:00pm and 11:00pm

6 The Messenger pg. 6 Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries Mission Trip ADVENT EVENTS Rev. Casey Tanguay is planning on responding to a great need in the Brownsville area by going on a brief mission trip with Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries December 2 nd -7 th. There is a growing number of asylum seekers and refugees from numerous countries that find themselves stuck on both sides of the international border. They are waiting to be legally processed by the United States and/or Mexico to apply for asylum. Several of our mission partners have found themselves overwhelmed with the need. In mid-october, Mexican Immigration began delivering asylum seekers to shelter at Casa Bugambilia in Matamoros, Mexico until they can be processed at the border. Casa Bugambilia is a community center that provides shelter and quality medical care for ill and abandoned persons in the colonias on the outskirts of Matamoros. The clinic can typically only accommodate up to 25 people. Recently up to 107 people from 14 different countries (Cameroon, Eritrea, Guinea, Venezuela, El Salvador, Columbia, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Cuba- just to name a few) were being housed and cared for at Casa Bugambilia. In addition to those that have been fortunate enough to stay at Casa Bugambilia, there are many more asylum seekers that find themselves camping on the bridge as they await their entrance to apply for asylum. This includes many families, women and children. Most of them are fleeing their homes out of fear from violence and various threats to their lives. They are not simply seeking a better economic opportunity but are desperate for refuge and safety. The clinic can typically only accommodate up to 25 people. Recently up to 107 people... were being housed and cared for at Casa Bugambilia. While many of these individuals are well-educated and held prestigious jobs in their home countries, they now find themselves at the mercy of strangers to have their basic needs provided. Many faithful people and organizations have been attempting to meet some of these basic needs through providing warm meals, clothes (especially warm ones for the cold weather), blankets, toiletries, etc. Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries continues to try to faithfully respond to these needs. Rev. Casey will be spending her time distributing food, clothing, toiletries, providing medical care, and offering a ministry of presence and prayer. Talk to Rev. Casey if you are interested in joining her on this mission adventure. Even if you are unable to go physically help, you can still help through prayer and donations. Financial donations can be sent to the church with line item SWGSM or can be made directly online: Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries Juntos Servimos: Casa Bugambilia Material items can be donated in the Mike s Kids box in Fellowship Hall. The most needed items at this time are: combs/brushes, women s hygiene products, coats, jackets, sweaters, new underwear, stretch belts, shoe strings All of the donations given to Mike s Kids will be transported to Southwest Good Samaritan ministries to be used and distributed to those that will greatly appreciate the gifts.

7 The Messenger pg. 7 PRAYER CONCERNS PASTORAL CONCERNS LINE Circle of Fellowship Martha Ferrell Wes Ferrell Erlinda Martinez Fishers of Families David Brand Doug Cooley Jaletta Cooley God s Messengers Sam Blake Pat Spradley Hands of Faith Michael Armstrong The Grapevine Jennifer Cass Bettye Davenport Shepherds Helen Smith A dedicated phone number for your use in contacting a FCCG minister with your pastoral concerns. 115 S. Glenbrook Dr. Garland, TX The Messenger A publication of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ 115 South Glenbrook Drive, Garland, Texas, 75040